New Guy, New Beers

[TwistedHops]

Hey guys, first off, thanks for all the great info on this site. Made my first couple batches sooooo much easier!

That being said, just wanted to say hello and get back to making beer! :rockin:

~Twisted

 

[TwistedHops]

Oh, should also point out I am brewing out of Chapel Hill, NC

 

[Tutsbrew]

Was look'n around here and didn't want your 'hello' to go unnoticed, so welcome indeed! I to have found most of my answers here over the past year.

Good luck to you and your brews.

 

[Savagejair]

Hi there.
I am also new myself. Just finished bottling my 4th extract kit. I have used this and many sites and you tube for answers. I am planning my first BIAB and getting the pieces for a 5 gal igloo mash tun together. It's all been fun. So welcome!

 

[Savagejair]

Oh I'm in Southern California. 🍻

 

[TwistedHops]

Nice to meet you Savage, I started with one extract kit and jumped straight into BIAB. Definitely more fun when you can choose your own grain bill!

 

[Savagejair]

👍I have to also say I have started to use beer smith 2. It's a learning curve for sure. Let me ask you this. How are you coming up with your recipe?

 

[Jupapabear]

Welcome to the forum TwistedHops! You will find a ton experienced brewers here with the passion to help another in need. There is a ton info. Have fun, and brew on!!

Hi there.
I am also new myself. Just finished bottling my 4th extract kit. I have used this and many sites and you tube for answers. I am planning my first BIAB and getting the pieces for a 5 gal igloo mash tun together. It's all been fun. So welcome!

Savage, go with the 10 gallon igloo. I can't even get most of my 5 gallon all grain batches in a 5 gallon cooler. I've even maxed out my 10 gallon before. Just my opinion, but you'll likely need the room.

 

[TwistedHops]

👍I have to also say I have started to use beer smith 2. It's a learning curve for sure. Let me ask you this. How are you coming up with your recipe?

Savage, I am currently using Brewtoad (New version of Hopville I believe?), which has been working quite well. I am very tempted to get Beersmith, is it worth it? I have heard nothing but good reviews and I even listen to his podcast, but is it up to the hype if there is free software out there too?

Welcome to the forum TwistedHops! You will find a ton experienced brewers here with the passion to help another in need. There is a ton info. Have fun, and brew on!!
...

Absolutely! Can't wait to brew my next batch!

As a quick question, anyone have any luck obtaining bottles, say from bars after they pitch them? i can only drink so much beer to have a case or two of empties lying around.

 

[Savagejair]

The extra room is a plus. Will do. Thanks

 

[MindenMan]

BIAB is a simple version of "regular" AG, many brewers swear by it. Welcome to the forum and the addiction. I meant hobby...

 

[TwistedHops]

Are my posts working?
Anyways, BIAB is a lot of fun! Fantastic control over the grain bill, especially when compared to extract brewing.

 

[Savagejair]

Twistedhops-I've seen some other apps out there. I choose because of his (brad smith) efforts he puts into this hobby for me and many others. And as I dive into this more and more I learn as I go. Program does require knowledge of several parameters and totals/losses but it stores them as equipment profiles and you can apply to recipes then adjust batch size it seams to all come together very nicely.

 

[Cyclman]

+1 BeerSmith is worth the little bit of $, it goes on sale for < $20 regularly. Ask a local bar if you can have their pry-offs, if you bribe them with homebrew, they're typically very happy to help.

Welcome to the hobby, and the group, from CO

 

[Jupapabear]

As a quick question, anyone have any luck obtaining bottles, say from bars after they pitch them? i can only drink so much beer to have a case or two of empties lying around.

I run a restaurant so that is where I gained my collection, but checking your local watering hole might be a safe bet, especially if you offer to trade them some homebrew!

The extra room is a plus. Will do. Thanks

My pleasure! Let me know how your first AG brewday turns out!

 

[TwistedHops]

Thanks for the pointers guys. I will definitely check out BeerSmith. Also, can't wait to get a big stash of bottles!

Anyone have experience with dealing with all of the sediment BIAB forms? Does it matter if it gets into the fermenter? Really a pain to filter that stuff.

 

[Jupapabear]

All of my boil kettle makes it to the bucket.